Re: What is it with oil changes over here?

Quote
RamUK
The last car I owned in the U.K. was a BMW. It had done 22,000 when I sold it and it never required an oil change - and no the onboard computer wasn't malfunctioning.

The other car I had that Helen drive was a Golf GTi and we had to change the oil on that every 20k and that's pretty standard.

Then I get here and I'm being told every 5k. What's the deal?

It used to be every 3000 miles, when I was growing up -- but I could do my own back then. Very simple engines and set ups. Easy to get to, etc. Then it was 5000. I hear 7500 is okay now. Main reason it's really important? The day to day heat breaks down the oil, and it loses its capacity, over time, to do its job. And it gets dirty, too.

I'd say you're pushing your luck with the 20K, from what I've been told by mechanics and the guys on Car Talk.



The 7500 limit is probably a good way to go. I was always a bit suspicious of the 3000 mile rule. Made me think the dealership was just hoping you'd come in for that work and do other, far more expensive stuff too. Same thing goes for their various new car mileage check-ups. Most independent mechanics say that's overkill. Not that you should ever, ever ignore the car altogether. But that the intervals can be pushed out a bit more.